Why Aneet Padda replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’

**Why Aneet Padda Replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:43 PM*

Aneet Padda, who impressed audiences with her debut film *Saiyaara*, has reportedly stepped in to replace Kiara Advani in the upcoming Maddock Films project *Shakti Shalini*. While Maddock Films initially denied any cast changes, recent reports have confirmed Padda’s official casting in the titular role, creating quite a buzz within the industry.

**Scheduling Conflicts Lead to Casting Change**

According to Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for this casting switch stems from Kiara Advani’s packed schedule. A source close to the production shared, “*Shakti Shalini* is a critical film in the studio’s upcoming universe, and it’s imperative for the shoot to commence by the end of 2025. Kiara’s schedule is completely packed until mid-2026. She’s one of the most in-demand actresses at the moment.”

**Narrative Shift Influences Recasting**

Apart from scheduling issues, changes in the film’s final script also played a role in the decision. The insider explained, “The latest version of the screenplay focuses on the coming-of-age journey of a woman in her mid-20s. When Kiara was initially approached for the role, it was pitched to her as a more mature, layered individual. With the revised narrative leaning toward a younger protagonist, it no longer aligned with Kiara’s vision for the project.”

**Strong Professional Relationship Maintained**

Despite the casting change, the separation between Kiara Advani and the *Shakti Shalini* team remains amicable. The source added, “Kiara and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to share a strong professional bond. In fact, Dinesh has already committed to bringing her another script within the next month. Maddock Films has several projects in the pipeline, and there’s no doubt that Kiara will headline one of them soon.”

With Aneet Padda now at the helm, expectations are high for *Shakti Shalini* as it moves forward with its production schedule. Fans eagerly await further updates on the film’s progress and casting announcements for Maddock Films’ upcoming slate.
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